Literary You: Welcome, Ana Diamond!

It's an exciting week for my blog! Today, I'm proud to welcome cozy mystery writer Ana Diamond. Her latest cozy is Body Snatched, just published this past November. We'll get to the book -- we have a great excerpt -- but first let's get to know Ana a little better.

1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series?
I've always loved a good series. Growing up, The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel was one of my favorites.
 
2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays?
Currently, I enjoy Psychological Thrillers and Cozies.  I’m currently reading Frieda McFadden and Tamara Berry.   
 
3) Around what age did you realize you like to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books?
I started writing short stories when I was around 10 years old but writing a book didn't seem possible until about 5 years ago.
 
4) What's the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of?
When I first started out I was learning the ropes by attending online workshops and entering contests to get feedback on my writing. I was super pleased to be a finalist and that made me keep going. 
 
5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspired you to write, to create?
I enjoy the process of moving the story forward and working through the conflicts. It's similar to painting a picture and watching it develop. 

Beautiful.
 
6) What's your writing space like?
My writing space is by a window in my bedroom, nothing fancy. My cats stay close by keeping me company. 

7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset?
I like to write in the morning. It's when I have the most energy and inspiration. I don't have any rituals, but I find the longer I work on something the more likely it stays on my mind all day as I work through any kinks in the story. 

Thank you! I'm going to try that -- working longer as opposed to procrastinating when I run into kinks. 
 
8) Time to talk about Body Snatched (rubbing hands together)! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you'd care to share with us?
Usually, the first line of a story comes to me first and then I build around it. I thought the idea of finding a dead body in a funeral home that didn't belong there seemed kind of kooky in the same vein of Cozy Mysteries. I also have a dark sense of humor. I work in the medical field so medical terms and medical humor come natural to me. 
 
9) Now for Body Snatched! 
Body Snatched is book 2 in the Body Conscious series. Here's a blurb: 
 
What’s worse than losing a body from a funeral home? Losing two. But mortician and amateur sleuth, Lily Reynolds has a hunch. The new visitor in town, Rick Drakon, may have charmed his way into her life but she’s not fooled by his smooth talking ways. Problem is, Rick is a long-time friend of Lily’s new husband, Detective James Rivers. While James is busy convincing her to look elsewhere, Lily embarks on a dangerous path toward uncovering the truth. Will this case come between the couple or will Lily find herself closer to evil than ever before? 

Now, that's suspense! Wow! 
 
10) I comprehend that you just recently published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can't help but ask -- do you have anything waiting in the wings?
I am working on something new set in a New England bed and breakfast with a whole set of new characters and intrigue. I always like to add a little romance in my stories to spice things up. 

Joy dance! That sounds fabulous! You probably wouldn't be surprised to know that all my favorite cozies have at least a hint of romance!

Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us, Ana! Once again, congratulations on Body Snatched!

Excerpt

In a town full of secrets, who will come out alive?

Black River reminded James of one thing: murder.

Hidden in dense foliage, the river stretched out far beyond his view and also happened to be a perfect spot to dump a body. He had no doubt there had been many missing people over the years who wound up weighed down by rocks at the bottom of the river until their flesh disintegrated into nothing.

His boss, Donald Abrams had a bad habit of telling him about their worst cases, probably to freak him out. The sicko with the garden of people floating upright like weeds was particularly gruesome. The chills he got from that one made the hairs on his neck stand up. However, since Manorview’s crime rate was low, James wasn’t entirely sure if the stories were folklore or not.

“Congrats on your last case. I heard you’re a big boss detective now,” Rick said as he reeled in his empty line.
​
James impaled a worm on his hook and swung the line out into the water. “Thanks. I wouldn’t say big boss though. More like maybe I’ll get to keep my job.”

“Have you ever caught anything here?” Rick asked.

“No, but I hear there’s trout.”

And bodies.

Purchase here.

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About the Author

When Ana Diamond isn't writing about tough gals finding love in unexpected places, she’s at work by day in the medical field. She writes romantic cozy mystery novels with feisty strong women and alluring men who can’t resist them. Her books are fast paced, entertaining and heartfelt all at once.

Ana is a 2020 Tara Contest Finalist for Body Conscious and 2015 Melody of Love contest finalist. She lives in New York with her husband, two children and two needy but wildly entertaining kitty cats.

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 https://anadiamondauthor.com/